Using Firefox as a Download Manager

Most people see Mozilla's Firefox as a more secure alternative to Internet Explorer. However, what many don't take advantage of is the download manager within Firefox. Unlike Internet Explorer, Firefox has a separate window dedicated to your downloads, no matter what they are. With Internet Explorer, you have no control over the order files are downloaded nor can you pause and restart downloads.

Choosing the Download Location

Firefox stores all downloads in a set location, which you can change to any location you want. By default, files are stored in the Downloads folder in Windows Vista and Windows 7. To change the location, open Firefox and select the Tools menu. Select Options. All download settings are available from the General tab.

Select the Save Files To radio button if you want files to always be stored in a set location. Press the Browse button to choose the location. Once your folder has been selected, press OK.

If you want to choose a new location every time you download a file, select the Always ask me where to save files radio button. Each time you start a download, you'll be asked to choose a location, similar to Internet Explorer.

Showing and Closing the Download Window

Open the Options menu in Firefox as stated above. If you want to show the Firefox downloads window, which believe me, you do, check the Show the Downloads window when downloading a file box. You can automatically close the window when all downloads are complete by checking the Close it when all downloads are finished box. Press OK to save your settings.

Using the Downloads Window

When you start a download in Firefox, a second, smaller window appears as long as you have chosen to display the downloads window. The status of the download is displayed, including percentage downloaded and remaining and amount of time remaining in real time. Along with each download is a pause and cancel button. If you are trying to download large files or numerous files at once, the pause button quickly becomes your best friend.

If you want to check email or play a game, but your file is still downloading, press the pause button to temporarily pause the download and prevent any speed issues while you do your other tasks. When you're finished, press the resume button to resume the download.

Lost Connections and Time Outs

Did you experience a time out or lose your connection to the download while downloading or while the download was paused? Not a problem. Press the refresh button to restart the download. No need to look for the download's original website. Firefox automatically searches for the original link and starts your download again.

Keep Track of Your Downloads

All downloads are listed in the downloads window until you clear the list. Clear the list at any point by pressing Clear List from the downloads window. From this window you can view the title of file, when it was downloaded, how long it took to download and open the file's location. The last feature is especially helpful if you choose to store files in different locations.

Firefox has many great features. One of which is their download manager. You can restart downloads, pause downloads and keep track of all the files you've downloaded, all from Firefox.